Talking about impossible and beyond meat, of course. I like their taste, so I’m not one of those burger fash who complains about not being able to taste the flesh wounds of their victims. Just need the skinny on how it compares in terms of it’s nutrient quality, health factors in terms of contaminants in production or as a result of (PFAS, lead), and the impact on the environment. I’m sure the production of fake borg is better than maintaining and slaughtering cows, but relative to other foods how much better is it?
It’s good to have and use that knowledge, but also don’t forget that basically every single large vegan product company is owned by a company that creates and sells straight-up animal products. Morningstar (which itself sells egg products) is owned by the Kellogs mega conglomerate. Quorn is owned by Monde Nissin. Chao/Field Roast is owned by Greenleaf, which also owns Lightlife, and it’s a subsidiary of Maple Leaf. To my knowledge, Tofurky is the only big one free of this.
Also don’t forget to apply the same logic for whole food! Beans are the best! But who owns the bean brand? Usually some other megacorp that sells animal products. And the beans are often grown on farms with animal inputs (like fertilizer).
When you dig more than 1 level deep on supply chains and ownership, very little is actually free from animal exploitation. It is nearly impossible to actually rid your life of it, if that is the bar. However, we can do a lot that is practicable.
No ethical consumption etc etc. We should be doing the best we can, but shit is fucked all the way down the chain just about any way you slice it.